The Hybrid_Link#03Hybridization between Form and Energy ISSN 2039-4608

Title: Undergraduate thesis: Green Building Awareness Centre.

Anup Kumar Prasad

B. Arch. from Dept. of Architecture, Jadavpur University

Kolkata, West Bengal 700032, India.
Sr. Architect in CEFD, Larsen & Toubro
Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600089, India

Anup Kumar Prasad Email: prasad.anup1@gmail.com

anupju@lntecc.com

Abstract
Nature is rich of resources which are costless, but still one has to expend energy to get those
resources in a desired manner. E.g., in hot/warm environment one wants sunlight without sun
heat, for ventilation one needs external wind flow unaccompanied by dust or noise, and these
filtering devour large quantity of energy. If one learn to design a building which itself can act
as a filtering machine, one can save plenty of energy. As a part of UG-thesis author started
research on various ‘building forms’ to develop a module of building which can adequately
deals and blends with the environment. Author also visited various Green buildings around
India for case study. Later on author get involved in developing a software for ‘Climate
Optimized Synthesis of Architectural Forms’. Through this paper author wants to share his
Study, Research, Synopsis and Conclusions for developing a building module to save energy.

Keywords: GBAC – Green Building Awareness Centre, Fig. – Figure, OAT – Open Air
Theatre

1. Introduction
The construction process and building use not only consumes the most of energy and creates a
lot of carbon dioxide emissions, they also creates large amount of wastes, use of maximum
non-energy related resources and also responsible for the heavy pollution.

Fig. 1 – Pollution by building industry

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At the one end fact is that mankind are serious about climatic changes and need to stop such
happenings which goes against the environment, on the other hand buildings fulfil their basic
needs by providing shelter for living and working. From above inferences, it is necessary to
achieve sustainability in buildings. Sustainability can be achieved by adopts the creates
structures with minimum intervention to the environment due to this construction requires less
energy and time along with using processes which are environmentally responsible and
resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle. One of the highly effective steps towards
sustainability of any building usually occurs during design process by incorporating zero-
energy and green building concepts. There are many organisations like Indian Green Building
Council (IGBC), The Energy and Research Institute (TERI), Energy Star, Green Building
Certification Institute (GBCI), Built Green (BG), etc. are coming out with various techniques,
practices, methods and materials towards making any design sustainable, green and zero
energy by several rating system like Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA),
Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) etc.

However, with a concerning about these, author in this paper titled “Undergraduate thesis:
Green Building Awareness Centre”, willing to give a general idea for proposing a building for
Indian climatic conditions along with the structure using process that is environmentally
responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from siting to design,
construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. This building in topic
provides model for the application of alternative energy systems at a larger urban scale. It has
to be design as a demonstration of a modern building in which the building’s materiality and its
spatial qualities are based on energy conserving considerations. Along with that author also
considered necessary to give brief information of some potential green buildings around India
as a case study.

2. Historical Background
Security and protection from climatic elements have been the prime considerations in human
beings effort to create shelter for themselves. Man has relied on various resources to build
shelters for protection from the heat, cold and rain. As materials and techniques of construction
developed, vernacular built forms evolved, through trial and error, to provide a harmonious
balance between buildings, climate and people’s life style.

Man’s endeavor in finding a shelter for himself probably began with a cave. In caves he found
protection from the fury of nature as well as wild animals. The insulating and absorption
properties of the earth mass provided warmth in winter and coolness, shade in hot summer.

In different parts of world, man has found

Fig. 2 - Lohani Caves, Mandu [2]
various solutions for protection against
climatically unkind conditions through
locally available materials. For example, in
the hot and humid regions of Asia, Australia,
Polynesia and Amazon, the roof was more
important than walls for modifying the
indoor conditions. In fact the walls could be
omitted altogether. Hence, lightweight
structures of timber skeleton, wooden Also, the cooling by radiation exchange to
frames, thatched roofs and woven, lathe and the night sky is faster [3].
venture walling were used in such regions.
On the other hand, in the mountainous cold
forest regions in the north-west U.S.A.,
Scandinavia and Himalayas, one found well-
insulated timber houses. In case of early
vernacular architecture, the roof played a
determining role in the general form and
appearance [3].

Flat roofs appeared in hot regions, vaulted

roofs in hot and dry regions and inclined
roofs in temperature dry climates. Higher
pitched roofs were used in wet-temperature
and cooler places. Both domes and vaults
were popular in the hot-arid regions of the
Middle East and northern Africa, where low
humidity leads to intense radiation exchange,
and the variations between day and night
temperatures are high. The logic here is that
a hemispherical vault has about 3 times the Fig. 3 – types of Roof [4]
surface area as the base of a square roof, so
the solar radiation is diluted to that extent.

Bio-climatic aspects such as orientation, house form, open spaces, etc. were well integrated in
vernacular residential architecture. For example, the ancient Greeks gave their homes a
southern orientation and used thermal mass for heating purposes. Thick earthen walls stored
the heat and prevented undesirable air-infiltration. Later, the Romans improved on their
techniques to incorporate clear window-coverings, greenhouses and radiant floor heating.
Natural lighting through clerestories and skylights has been used in many historical buildings
such as the temple of Amman at Karnak and the Pantheon at Rome. Palladio, the great
renaissance architect, employed ‘thermal windows’ to transmit the sun’s rays into the building
interior for heating, as key features of his designs.

A group of six villas near Vicenza, Italy,

built in the 16th century AD, incorporated a
remarkable system of underground air
conduits that provided air-conditioning
during the hot summer [3].
Building with natural and local materials,
using process that is environmentally
responsible and resource-efficient isn't
anything new in India.

Fig. 4 – Pantheon, Rome

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2.1 Traditional Indian Architecture

Indian experiences diverse climatic conditions which in turn have influenced the
development of vernacular architecture in various regions. Control of microclimate around
the building was always an important aspect of indigenous designs. The urban forms ensured
that individual buildings were not exposed to the sun. While planning a town, care was taken
to orient the streets keeping the effects of sun and wind in mind. For example, towns in
Gujarat and Rajasthan which experience hot and dry climate had row-houses with common
walls.

In towns like Kolkata which is warm and

humid are laid out to make maximum use
of the prevailing breeze. Buildings are
scattered vegetations are arranged to
provide maximum shade without hindering
natural ventilation.

Fig. 5 – Typical settlement for hot and dry

regions [4]

These were tightly packed along the streets

and lanes to minimise the exposure to
direct sun and hot winds. The front facades
were further shades with well-articulated
balconies called ‘Jharokhas’.
Fig. 6 – Jharokhas at Rajasthan [5]
Fig. 7 – Typical settlement for warm-
humid regions [4]
2.2 Punchbhutas
Punchbhutas for centuries, man has
manipulated the five elements to build
comfortable houses even in the most
hostile environments. For example, in the
Desert, where the heat of the Sun (Fire)
can make it impossible to live, man has
built houses with internal courtyards
(Space), thick walls (Earth), slit windows
(Air) and water bodies and fountains
(Water) to cool the house by ensuring
good ventilation and flow of air [1].

Air inlets were usually located on the front

facades where the air was relatively cooler
since the streets and the lanes were well-
shaded. Each house had an open courtyard
which acted as an exhaust for warm air
and provides enough natural light for the
interior of the house [3]. Fig. 8 – Punchbhutas
2.3 Vastu shastra  South-West (Nairuthya)
House is static and sun is moving around (Pitru/ancestors)
the earth so, house should design in such a  South-East (Aagneya) (Fire/Agni)
way that windows and all sources of
ventilation absorb as many positive rays as
possible. Vastu shastra prescribes an ideal
plan called Vastu Purusha Mandala, in
which each room (depending on its
function) is located in specific Cardinal
direction.

 East (Poorva): It is common

knowledge that the sun rises in the
East. (Surya/Sun)
 West (Paschima): Sun sets in the west
(Varuna/Water)
 North (Uttara): (Kuber/Wealth)
 South (Dakhshina): (Yama)
 North-East (Eeshanya): (Supreme
being/God) Fig. 9 - Vastu Purusha Mandala
 North-West (Vaayavya) (Vayu/Wind)

Sun – synthesis of vitamin D and has germicidal property. Aim of Vastu Shastra is to ensure
that the inmates of a house are inadvertently exposed to the useful rays of sunlight even if
they are inside the house whole day.

3. Case Study:
1. The Energy and Resource Institute University, New Delhi
2. CII – Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad
3. Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmadabad

3.1 The Energy and Resource Institute University, New Delhi

3.1.1 Automatic adjustable louver system

Fig. 10 - Schematic Sectional Diagram - Automatic adjustable louver system

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Fig. 11 - Roof Plan - Adjustable louvers and solar panels

3.1.2 Passive Solar Design through Orientation

Fig. 12 - Passive Solar Design through Orientation

3.1.3 Wind control

The predominant wind direction is taken into account in designing the open space. The hot air
from outside moves into the central court, where it passes over the water body to makes the
central atrium area always cooler than the surrounding exterior.

Fig. 13 – wind chart, New Delhi

Fig. 14 - Section - showing wind flow

Fig. 15 – The predominant wind creating Fig. 16 - Shaded court-yard with adjustable
Micro-Climate Louvers

3.1.4 Thermal Insulation of Walls is further proposed to be enhanced by

Use of efficient double glazing window insulation in the roof slab.
units helps significantly reduce the heat
gained through window glazing in the
summers and the heat lost in the winters
without compromising on the day
lighting integration and the levels of
visual comfort. The walls that are
exposed to the harsh solar rays have a
stone cladding which is fixed to the
wall by channels. The air gap between
the wall and the stone cladding by itself
acts as an insulation layer. On the
facades rock wool insulation is also Fig. 17 – Section showing thermal insulation
provided in the wall. Energy efficiency of wall

3.2 CII – Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Hyderabad

The centre is housed in a green building which received the prestigious LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum rating in 2003.

3.2.1 North Light For indoor Day lighting

The most prominent feature of the building is that almost 90% of the interiors are daylight.
This is achieved by providing north lighting and windows looking into courtyards. The
regularly occupied areas of the main office and information Centre are daylight.

Fig. 18 – North light in CII – Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre

Fig. 19 - Section: Permanent Technology Centre

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3.2.2 Solar energy About 17% of the total energy costs are supplied by on-site
Photovoltaic panels photo-voltaic system.
In-site renewable energy
is generated. Photo-
voltaic panels have been
installed on the roof of
the Technology Centre.
The Roof orientation and
inclination have been
designed considering the Fig. 20 P.V. Panels on inclined roof
efficiency of PV panels.

3.2.3 Wind Towers integrated with HVAC

The wind tower is one of the traditional passive-cooling techniques of the sub-continent.
Here, it has been combined with the HVAC system to reduce energy consumption. The fresh
air that goes in the AHU is pre-cooled in the wind tower, reducing the intake air temperature
by 3 to 5 deg. C. The wind tower itself is made of hollow masonry, and acts as a ‘thermal
mass’. It is cooled periodically by tricking water from the top of the tower.

Fig. 21 – Wind tower integrated with HVAC

3.2.4 Materials Recycled, Re-used, Regional

Recycled content: 80% or the building materials have a large proportion of post-consumer or
post-industrial recycled content.
 The masonry construction has a considerable content of fly ash, which is an industrial
waste.
 The walls are constructed using fly ash blocks and fly ash cement.
 The ceramic tiles used for flooring have culets, broken tiles, paper etc.
 The roof lawn trays are made entirely of recycled plastic.
 Instead of conventional ply or wood, this project uses a co-posite agro-board
manufactured from biogases.

95% of the materials used in the project are harvested, extracted or manufactured within a
radius of 500 miles from the project site.

Fig. 22 – Different areas in building with recycled materials

3.2.5 Roof Garden Insulation & vegetation

Roof gardens provide an

aesthetic delight in the
campus. They prevent
formation of heat-islands
on the roof and act as
insulation to ingress of
solar heat.
Fig. 23 – Roof garden

3.2.6 Traditional elements Courtyard and ‘jaali’ work

The building is cantered

around a circular
courtyard. The screen
wall or ‘jaali’ is
effectively used to cut
down the harsh sun, yet
allow the flow of wind.

Fig. 24 Central courtyard and “jaali” work around toilet

3.3 Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmadabad

Important aspect in organization of built and unbuilt spaces the unbuilt spaces are continuous
linear spaces establishing axis for circulation within the built environment. It is also binds the
build mat around it which does not follow strong geometry or orderliness principle.

Fig. 25 - Main level Plan, CEE

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3.3.1 Typology of built and unbuilt spaces:

The built mass is broken horizontally and vertically at various stages which gives a smooth
integration of built and unbuilt volumes in the CEE complex. The undulating site also adds to
it. As the ground rises to built mass or the steps from built spaces meet the base plane at
various spaces. The interface even varies at different open spaces and adds surprises in the
spatial experiences.

Fig. 26 – Typology of unbuilt spaces

Each unbuilt space, used for circulation in the institute establishes a human scale. They do
not become a narrow open lane for movement but with variations in, levels and enclosing
mass, they provide an interesting circulation area.

Fig. 27 – exposed brick surface, R.C.C. beams and lintels in built form

The brick surfaces with exposed R.C.C. beams and lintels in the built form create attractive
visuals.
4. Climate Responsive Design Features
The main objective of climatic design is to
provide comfortable living conditions with a
minimum and meaningful input of artificial
energy. This also reduces investment and
running costs as well as ecological damage.
Climatic Conditions: In general, in tropical
and subtropical regions the daytime
temperature is uncomfortably high, Fig. 28 – foliage act as shading device
particularly during the warmer seasons and Advantages of vegetation:
in low altitude locations. However, the
differences between regions are immense,  It improves the microclimate both
depending mainly on the distance from the outdoors and indoors
equator and on altitude.  It checks hot and dusty winds in arid
Air humidity is also of great importance. regions
This factor influences the precipitation
pattern and the amount of solar radiation that
reaches the earth’s surface. The influence of
a cloud cover is most obvious, but invisible
humidity in the atmosphere also alters the
amount of radiation. Whereas with dry air
conditions the radiation is strong and direct, Fig. 29 – Green Street place [4]
humid air results in a less intense but diffuse
radiation and also reduces the amount of re-  Its shade lowers daytime
radiation to the night sky. temperatures and heat emission at
The above mentioned points are the night is also reduced, thus resulting in
framework for design in tropical and sub- more balanced temperatures.
tropical climate conditions. They have to be  It balances the humidity, during
adapted to each climatic zone because the precipitation much of the free water
dominant climatic factors differ highly is absorbed and during dry periods
between these zones. This leads to different water is evaporated.
solutions for various types.

4.1 Vegetation in landscape

Design using vegetation in the urban
environment is of functional, aesthetic as
well as climatic importance for its radiation
absorbent surface and its evaporative and
shade-giving properties. The vegetation in
and around cities also has definite effects on
air movement.
Vegetation is desirable both for shade, thus
reducing the temperature in such shaded
areas, and for reducing the effects of strong
solar radiation on the walls of buildings and
structures. Also, by forming a thick barrier of Fig. 30 – Advantages of slow drainage
foliage, the velocity of strong wind reduced. systems: intercepts the rainwater in the
The foliage of different types of wooded land greenery, in the ground and ponds, natural
acts as filter and purifies the atmosphere by way of prevent flooding [4]
keeping down dust.
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4.2 Building Design
4.2.1 Orientation of building
Orientation of building is important for the
optimum response to sun and wind. To
define the optimal orientation of a
building, three factors have to be
considered:
4.2.1.1 Solar Radiation
To get optimum orientation with regard to
heat gain by solar radiation, it is necessary
to do analysis of radiation intensity on
different oriented surfaces and its diurnal
change and its change with season.
Fig. 31 – Sun Path
Optimum sun orientation reduces radiation
to a minimum in the hot periods, while
allowing adequate radiation during the
cool months.
East and West facing walls receive
intensities of radiation, especially during
the hot periods. These walls should thus
normally be kept as small as possible and
contain as few and small openings as
possible.
Fig. 32 – North and South facing preferred
orientation for GBAC
4.2.1.2 Wind Orientation
Usually cooling by ventilation is desired.
Building should be oriented across the
prevailing breeze. This direction often
does not coincide with the best orientation
to the sun. One should pay more attention
to the effects of solar radiation, because
the direction of the wind can be influenced
to a certain extent by structural elements.
Fig. 33 – predominant wind direction
within site for GBAC
4.2.1.3 Topographical Orientation
The surface of the surroundings may store
and reflect solar radiant heat towards the
building, depending on the surface’s angle
relative to the solar radiation and on the
type of surface. Where this heat is not
desired, the orientation of the building
should be changed of the surface of the
surroundings should be covered with
greenery that improves the microclimate.
Fig. 34 – Topography reflecting solar
radiation
4.2.2 Shape and Volume
The function as well as socio-cultural
requirements and particularly the climatic
conditions define the form of the
buildings.
The heat exchange between the building
and the environment depends greatly on
exposed surfaces. A compact building
gains less heat during the daytime and
loses less heat at night. Therefore, the ratio
of surface to volume is important factor.
A simple model demonstration on
differently arranged units illustrates:
Fig. 35 – Volume to Surface ratio by
differently arranged building units
Volume to Surface ratio is least for case
‘a’ and maximum for case ‘c’.
Fig. 36 – Only three blocks for GBAC to
reduce exposed surface area of buildings
thus increases Volume to Surface area
ratio
4.2.3 Types and form of buildings
The suitable form of building differs very
much between the main climatic zones.
Traditional regional dwellings types
illustrate this clearly.
4.2.3.1 The compact, inward oriented
house of the hot-arid zone
Massive wall and roof structures even hot
arid outside of hot days and cold night
condition, the indoor climate is
maintained. The surface is kept at a
minimum compared to the volume so that
the heat exchange of heat and cold is
minimized. Ventilation should be
controlled: minimized during the heat and
increased during periods when the outdoor
temperature is at comfort level.
Such type is generally appropriate in areas
with large temperature differences
between day and night.
Fig. 37 - Typical house of the hot-arid
zone
4.2.3.2 The open outward oriented,
detached, built on stilts house of the
warm-humid zone
The surface is large compared to the
volume and therefore the exchange of heat
energy high. As consequence the indoor
temperature approaches the outdoor
temperature. The walls are light and
maximum ventilation can easily be
achieved. Large overhanging roofs are the
main important element.
This type is appropriate in zones with even
day and nighttimes temperatures.
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It composed of shading roofs as well as

protective walls which are less massive
than in 4.2.3.1 above. The windows are of
medium size, providing good ventilation
and moderate solar heat gain.

Fig. 38 – Typical house of the warm-

humid zone

4.2.3.3 A compromise between the two

extremes is the house of the temperate Fig. 39 - Typical house of the temperate
zone. zone

5.0 Design Guidelines

The main objectives of building design in warm humid zone should be:

1. Resist heat gain by:

a. Increasing thermal resistance
b. Increasing buffer spaces
c. Increasing shading
d. Increasing reflectivity

2. To promote heat loss by:

a. Ventilation of appliances
b. Increasing air exchange rate through day
c. Decreasing humidity levels

Design considerations involve site conditions, building orientation, plan form and building
envelope.

5.1 Site condition

Warm Humid climatic (Rajarhat-Kolkata, India) A site consideration involves macroclimate
and microclimate.

5.1.1 Macroclimate
The macroclimatic conditions predominantly define the climatic zone and requirements of
comfort for a particular place. They include solar radiation, air temperature, humidity,
precipitation, wind, etc.

5.1.2 Microclimate
Under the heading of ‘microclimate’, are the conditions of the wind, sun, radiation,
temperature and humidity experienced at particular locations around a building. The building
itself, causing a bluff obstruction to the wind flow, and casting shadows on the ground and
other buildings.
The microclimate of the site is affected by the following factors landforms, water bodies,
open spaces and built form, vegetation.
5.1.2.1 Landforms
Landform represents the topography of the site. It may be flat, undulating or sloping. Major
landforms affecting the site are mountains, valleys and plains. Consideration of the landform
is immaterial for a flat site.
The site for Green Building Awareness Centre is almost flat. Natural slope here is from east
to west (towards link canal) of site. Planting Rain water reservoir towards west (near Link
canal) will be site specific design.

Fig. 40 – Site plan showing flat topography and Link canal at west of the site (GBAC)

5.1.2.2 Water bodies

Water has relatively high latent heat of vaporisation it uses up a large amount of heat in
evaporation and causes significant cooling effect. Evaporation of water also raises the
humidity level. Water absorbs or releases a large amount of heat per unit rise or fall of
temperature because of its high specific heat. Since the humidity is high in these regions
water bodies are not normally proposed.

Link canal (source of humidity) here is running parallel to North-South direction of site.
Predominant Monsoon wind from south-west flows over the canal to the site. Design should
be done in such a way so that wind from west should not enter the building (fig. 40).

5.1.2.3 Open spaces and built forms

Open spaces and built form are responsible for the different patterns of air flow in and around
a building, affecting heat gain and heat loss. Both together can modify the micro-climate of
the site. Courtyards can also be designed to act as heat sinks. If it is covered by grass and
other vegetation, it would provide a cooler environment.
Buildings should be spread out with large open spaces for unrestricted air movement (fig.
41).
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Fig. 41 – Spread building blocks within site for unrestricted air movement (GBAC)

5.1.2.4 Vegetation type and pattern

Vegetation in any form plays an important role in changing the microclimate of the place.
Plants, shrubs and trees can cool the environment as they absorb radiation for photosynthesis.
They are useful in shading a particular part of the structure and ground to reduce the heat gain
and reflected radiation. By releasing moisture, they help raise the humidity level. Vegetation
also creates different air flow patterns and can be used to direct or divert the prevailing wind
advantageously by causing minor pressure differences.

Fig.42 – Landscape plan (roof plan), Green Building Awareness Centre

Based on the requirement of a climate, an appropriate type of tree can be selected. Planting
deciduous trees such as mulberry and champa on east and west side would prove beneficial.
Besides providing shade from intense and glaring morning and evening sun, they also cut off
hot breezes. Deciduous trees shed their leaves in winter to allow solar radiation to heat the
building.
5.2 Building orientation
Orientation refers to the location of a building with
South and East-West. Building orientation is an
climates, the building needs to be oriented such
minimum possible. East and West facing walls
especially during the hot periods.
respect to cardinal directions, i.e. North-
important parameter of design. In hot
that solar radiation is admitted to the
receive higher intensities of radiation,

Fig. 43 – Variation of cooling load with building orientation (warm and humid)

An unobstructed air path

through the interiors is
important. Since the
temperatures in shade are
not very high, semi-open
spaces such as balconies,
verandahs and porches
can be used
advantageously for
daytime activities. Such
spaces also give
protection from rainfall.
Fig. 44 orientation of building block in GBAC

The buildings are preferably oriented along an east-west direction to minimize solar
radiation on external surface and thus reduce the heat gain. East west walls should thus
normally be kept as small as possible and contain as few and small openings as possible.
They could be long and narrow to allow cross-ventilation. Heat and moisture producing
areas must be ventilated and separated from the rest of the structures.

To decide on an optimum orientation, it is essential to have an idea of the sun’s position and
its movement pattern on a diurnal as well as seasonal basis.
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Fig. 45 – Sun path diagram, Rajarhat

Usually cooling by ventilation is desired. Building should be oriented across the prevailing
breeze. This direction often does not coincide with the best orientation to the sun. One should
pay more attention to the effects of solar radiation, because the direction of the wind can be
influenced to a certain extent by structural elements.

Fig. 46 predominant wind direction within site for GBAC

5.3 Plan form

The surface to volume ratio (S/V ratio) determines the magnitude of the heat transfer in
buildings. Larger the S/V ratio, greater will be the heat gain or loss for a given volume of
space. Conversely, a smaller S/V ratio will result in the reduction of heat gain or loss. In cold
climates, it is preferable to have compact house form with minimum S/V ratio.
Fig. 47 – Zig-zag building plan to increase S/V ratio to provide ventilation and natural light
(GBAC)

5.4 Building envelope

In addition to providing shelter from rain and heat, the form of the roof should be made such
as to promote air-flow. Due to low diurnal temperatures, insulation does not provide any
additional benefit for a normal reinforced cement concrete (R.C.C.) roof in a non-conditioned
building.
The nature of the building envelope determines the amount of radiation and wind that will
enter inside. It consists of roof, walls, fenestrations, external colour and texture and shading

5.4.1 Roof
Since the roof receives a significant amount of solar radiation, the type of roof plays an
important role in modifying heat gain or loss, day lighting and ventilation.
A massive roof as of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) tends to delay the transmission of the
heat into the interior when compared to lighter roofs such as asbestos cement sheet roofing.
The Terrace Garden (fig. 78) on roof provides good insulation for resisting heat gain.
The roof can also be used advantageously for effective ventilation and day lighting by
incorporating vents and skylights (fig. 77 & 79) respectively.

Fig. 48 – Vents and skylights on Display area (GBAC)

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Fig. 49 – Roof plan (GBAC), Terrace garden covering huge area

Fig. 50 – Vents and skylights on Library (GBAC)

5.4.2 Walls
Walls constitute a major part of the building envelope and receive a large amount of direct
radiation. Depending on whether the need is for heating or cooling, variations in the thickness
and material of the wall can be decided on. More than 25% of the heat gain occurs due to
conduction by walls in the warmer regions of India. Control of the heat gain through walls
must be an important consideration for reducing the cooling loads.
5.4.2.1 Cavity Wall
The cavity wall (fig. 80) helps in insulating the building by using as a thermal break between
the two skins of the wall with environmental conditions becoming more of an issue to
reducing energy wastage & cavity wall insulation is a cost effective way to reduce the
amount of heat (as much as 35%) lost from convection of walls.

Fig. 51 – Cavity Wall

Science of cavity insulation

The reason cavity insulation keeps heat in is that the polymer and air in the cavity are good
insulators. This is because the distance between the particles in the air is greater than in a
solid. Other benefits of cavity walls are their resistance to moisture from the outer side to the
inner side wall and the increase of sound proofing.

5.4.2.2 External facade (environmentally friendly and energy efficient structure)

The alignment of the building and the different facade treatments are all direct responses to
the site, the shape of the building itself, the innovative cladding/ glazing system that
incorporates shading and natural ventilation.
Global position of Rajarhat is 22.61°N 88.52°E.

Fig. 52 – Sun path and inclination in Rajarhat

The south facade of the building was required to be shaded from the direct sunlight of the
summer sun. This can be accomplished by having the floor plates on the south side that
stepped out from bottom to the top causing the overhang of the floor above to serve as a
passive solar shading device for the floor below.
2 Undergraduate thesis: Green Building Awareness Centre
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Fig. 53 – Front elevation academic block, GBAC

Fig. 54 – Schematic section of Academic block, GBAC

This shape effectively lowers the amount of direct sunlight that can enter the building while
still admitting an adequate amount of daylight.

5.4.3 Fenestration (openings)

The pattern and configuration of openings such as windows forms an important aspect of
climatic design. Appropriate design of openings and shading devices will help to keep out
sun and wind or allow them in the building. Ventilation lets in the fresh air and exhaust hot
room air, resulting in cooling. An indoor air speed of 1.5 – 2.0 m/s can cause comfort in
warm and humid regions where the outdoor maximum air temperature does not exceed 28 –
32 ˚C.

Cross ventilation is important in these regions. All the doors and windows are preferably kept
open for maximum ventilation for most of the year.
Natural light is introduced into the building through glazed openings, skylight, light shelves,
clerestories, etc.
Fig. 55 – Directing south sun by vertical louvers in office (Admin. Block) GBAC

Fig. 56 – skylight from cut-out of OAT to Display area

Fig. 58 – Inclined wall for East / West

façade

Fig. 57 – Diffused daylight for interior of
workshop, GBAC
External wall above lintel is extended in
such a way (1000mm) that direct sun from
south should not enters the building.
Lower end of upper wall makes an angle
of 45° with the upper end of lower
wall.
Sun from East / West is harsh and having
high solar radiation which causes heat
gain. To minimize heat gain sun from East
/ West is blocked. Walls at certain interval
(3000mm) are inclined at the angle of 15°
so that harsh sun from can be blocked
simultaneously, diffused daylight and
ventilation can be done for indoor
environment.
The Hybrid_Link#03Hybridization between Form and Energy ISSN 2039-4608

6. Conclusions
A survey with respect to energy consumption, orientation, shape, form, water use, waste
production etc. and Green building methodologies, if followed, will render the building as
“Sustainable”.

7. References
[1] architectureideas.info
[2] Photograph by: Pritish Halder, B.Arch.(2009-2014)
[3] Manual on solar passive architecture: by – J.K.Nayak, R.Hazra and J.Prajapati
[4] Climate Responsive Building - Appropriate Building Construction in Tropical and
Subtropical Regions (SKAT; 1993)
[5]farm4.staticflickr.com